Established in Hixon in 2004, Competitive Tracking supplies vehicle tracking and related technology to organisations throughout Britain.

Over recent weeks it has clinched new deals with a waste management company in Burton, a Staffordshire engineering contractor, Hinckley & Bosworth Council's refuse collection department and a reclamation agency in Willenhall.

As a result the five-strong business has agreed deals with a total value exceeding #400,000 in a record-breaking few weeks, with further business gains on the horizon.

"After two years of steady growth we are now moving to a new level," said director Tim Birkinshaw. "We have worked extremely hard to establish a customer base from scratch, having risked everything to develop the business two years ago.

"Now we are beginning to reap the benefits. Every contract represents a delighted customer, and as they spread the word to others or require more equipment from us, so the order book grows. At last, instead of having to search for customers and tell them about our service, they are now coming to us."

The systems supplied by Competitive Tracking use global positioning system satellite, mobile communications and internet technology to track and monitor vehicles and other equipment.

Users are able to follow the progress of their fleet, send and receive messages to the driver and monitor the activity of their workforce from any distance, and on any PC with internet access.

"It is a very adaptable and versatile technology, allowing companies and organisations to have systems designed for their own particular needs," added Mr Birkinshaw. "For example, a school bus can be equipped to generate emails and text messages automatically to parents, confirming when it has picked up or dropped off their child.

"We can also set up company vans to alert the office if the vehicle is stationary for a set time. This can protect lone drivers in the event of an accident or remote breakdown.

"There are hundreds of uses for the new technology and we are busy designing and installing new solutions every week."

Competitive Tracking was founded by Mr Birkinshaw and his long-term business associate Steve Thomas.

Mr Birkinshaw said: "I have always been utterly convinced that this business would work. That's not just blind faith, I really believe in what these systems can do.

"In the early days it was hard-going as I was having to pay to get people to speak to me. We used telesales, which I really don't enjoy, together with some internet advertising.

"Once customers realised how good the products are, they not only brought in repeat business but promoted our business through word-of-mouth."

New sales records are regularly being set.

"The important thing for us is to stay sharp," said Mr Burkinshaw. "Some businesses relax a little when success beckons, but we won't."